Wellness

Resident & Faculty Wellness

At Rush Anesthesiology, we believe that excellence in patient care begins with a culture that prioritizes the well-being of our residents, fellows, and faculty. Our Wellness Program is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and balanced environment—both inside and outside the hospital.

Throughout the year, we organize a wide variety of wellness initiatives designed to promote connection, resilience, and joy. These events provide opportunities to step away from the clinical environment, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate our community.

What Wellness Looks Like at Rush

Our wellness efforts are intentionally diverse to meet the needs and interests of our department members. Highlights include:

Social Gatherings & Celebrations
Holiday parties, mentorship events, and informal get-togethers that bring our department together in a relaxed setting.
Family-Friendly Events
Opportunities for residents and faculty to include their families—because we recognize that support systems extend beyond the workplace.
Outdoor & Activity-Based Events
Group fitness classes, yoga, sports outings, and seasonal activities that encourage physical well-being and team bonding.
Resident-Led Initiatives
Empowering residents to shape wellness programming based on their interests and needs.

Our Philosophy

Wellness at Rush is not a one-time initiative—it is an ongoing commitment. We aim to create a culture where:

Team members feel supported and valued
Work-life integration is encouraged
Open communication and camaraderie are prioritized
Burnout is actively addressed through community and engagement

A Stronger Community Together

The strength of our department lies in our people. Through these shared experiences, we continue to build a close-knit community that supports one aother both professionally and personally.

Social Gatherings & Celebrations

PGY1 Resident Meet and Greet: The department sponsors an annual meet and greet event at a trendy spot in the city with all food, non-alcoholic drinks, and activity expenses covered, which makes for a fun bonding experience among the new interns and chief residents.

Resident Welcome: The department sponsors an annual resident-selected event at a trendy spot in the city with all food, non-alcoholic drinks, and activity expenses covered, which makes for a fun bonding experience among junior and senior residents.

Resident Welcome

Holiday Party: The department sponsors a formal dinner party, with open bar, dancing and socializing. This much lauded event has traditionally been held at prestigious venues such as Evanston Country Club, Shedd Aquarium, and RPM Seafood.

ISA Sponsored Events: The Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists (ISA) hosts events every year. One popular annual event is the resident Jeopardy tournament. Illinois Anesthesia training programs enter a team of three residents, who compete in an inter-program Jeopardy tournament. The team from Rush's Department of Anesthesiology has won the competition many times in the past.

Farewell Celebration: The department sponsors a formal celebration with either a brunch or dinner party, open bar, and socializing. We honor and recognize our outgoing housestaff's contributions and achievements. Past events have been held at venues such as Evanston Country Club, Chicago Yacht Club, Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, and RPM Seafood.

Post Basic Exam Celebration: In June, we proudly celebrate the hard work and dedication of our CA1 residents. After months of focused preparation, countless hours of studying, and unwavering commitment, their efforts have finally paid off. What better way to honor this achievement than with a department-sponsored Post Basic Exam Celebration?

End of Year Celebration: The department sponsors an annual End of Academic Year Celebration to bring all residents together for a special evening of connection and appreciation. This event is a time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and give a heartfelt send-off to our graduating senior residents as they embark on their next chapter.